Doctors often advise limiting or avoiding milk due to high saturated fat content, which can raise cholesterol and increase risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Furthermore, many adults suffer from lactose intolerance, causing digestive issues, while others may experience inflammation, acne, or mucus-related issues.
Milk and other dairy products are the top source of saturated fat in the American diet, contributing to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Studies have also linked dairy to an increased risk of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
Most adult mammals cannot digest lactose, the sugar found in milk, meaning that drinking milk of any kind will cause them digestive problems. Around 5000--10000 years ago most humans of northern European descent and many others evolved to digest lactose in adulthood.
Much of the fat in milk and dairy foods is saturated fat. For older children and adults, eating too much fat can contribute to excess energy intakes, leading to becoming overweight.
Diabetes: the consumption of milk, as well as any other food of animal origin, is a risk factor for diabetes type 2, while for diabetes type 1, the consumption of milk is to be avoided because studies have shown that it seems to contain a substance that destroys insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
Some studies indicate a potential link between high dairy intake and increased gut permeability, leading to systemic inflammation. However, other studies have indicated that there is no significant association between dairy intake and markers of gastrointestinal inflammation in healthy adults.
Dr. Michael Mosley shifted from skimmed milk back to full-fat dairy, stating that low-fat options often lose nutrients and can be less satisfying, with recent studies suggesting full-fat milk drinkers may be leaner and healthier, potentially due to beneficial fats and satiety, even though he found skimmed milk too watery and switched to semi-skimmed and then full-fat milk for better taste and health benefits. He noted that the fats in dairy, especially from grass-fed cows, are often protective and that full-fat milk contains more essential nutrients like omega-3s, which are stripped out in skimmed versions, advising against low-fat dairy products often loaded with sugar.
The "5-5-5 Rule" for milk refers to guidelines for storing expressed breast milk: it's good for 5 hours at room temperature, 5 days in the refrigerator, and 5 months in a standard freezer (though longer freezer storage is often possible). This simple mnemonic helps new parents remember safe storage times, though guidelines can vary slightly and modern recommendations sometimes suggest longer periods, like up to 12 months in the freezer.
Cow's milk can be part of that puzzle, but it's by no means the only piece. “Milk is not essential, but kids do need plenty of calcium to support bone development as they grow and go through puberty,” Elion said.
Erotic lactation is generally safe for adults who are otherwise healthy, but there are some considerations and potential risks you might consider discussing before beginning breastfeeding. Some infections and diseases can be transmitted to your partner through breast milk.
Whether it's in tea or coffee, poured over cereal or by itself, many of us enjoy drinking cow's milk every day. But while it contains nutrients like calcium and protein, cow's milk can also be high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels and, in turn, increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Scientists Prove Human Ancestors Drank Milk. Scientists have spent decades studying ancient paintings on cave walls that depict animals being milked in an attempt to find evidence of dairy consumption. They have even found traces of dairy fat in pots.
Milk is widely consumed worldwide due to its high nutritional value, having possible protection against infections and anti-inflammatory activity. Conversely, milk's vast microbiota reduces its shelf life and can pose risks to human health.
Studies have shown that milk is linked to a number of other cancers and diseases, such as breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. Saturated fat in milk and other dairy products is also the number one source of saturated fat in the U.S., which contributes to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
Pasteurised whole and semi-skimmed cows' milk can be given as a main drink from age 1, as can goats' and sheep's milks. Pasteurised skimmed and 1% cows' milk should not be given as a main drink until 5 years of age.
Dr. Gundry recommends non-dairy alternatives like unsweetened coconut milk or hemp milk, or dairy from A2 cows, goats, sheep, or water buffalo, specifically avoiding A1 casein-containing milk found in most U.S. dairy, and cautions against cashew and oat milks due to lectins. He suggests fermented dairy products like aged cheeses and certain yogurts for their beneficial polyamines, and lists specific brands like Pacific Foods Hemp Original Unsweetened and So Delicious Dairy-Free Organic Coconutmilk Beverage as acceptable options.
What was the actual cause of Michael Mosley's death?
Dr. Michael Mosley's cause of death was officially recorded as "indeterminate" by a coroner, meaning it couldn't be definitively determined, but it was "most likely attributable either to heatstroke (accidental) or a non-identified pathological cause," with toxicology showing nothing significant. He died on the Greek island of Symi in June 2024 after going missing during a walk, with initial findings suggesting natural causes, possibly linked to exhaustion and heat in the challenging terrain where his body was found.
While it's true that products with less fat may contain less calories, they are usually also less filling. And when foods are less filling, it's natural to compensate with more food and drink. So dieters beware: Opting for skim milk on your cereal or in your glass may put you at higher risk of weight gain.
The healthiest milk in the UK depends on your needs, but cow's milk is nutritionally complete (protein, calcium, B12) if you tolerate dairy, while fortified soy milk is the best plant-based alternative for protein, closely matching cow's milk when fortified. For lower calories, almond milk is great but lacks protein. Always choose unsweetened varieties and check labels for added calcium and Vitamin D, especially for plant-based options.
Milk and other foods that contain lactose, like cheese and ice cream, can cause gas and bloating in people who are lactose intolerant. About 70% of adults worldwide do not produce large amounts of lactase, an intestinal enzyme that helps break down the sugar in milk.
A 7-day gut reset is a short-term eating plan focused on reducing inflammation and promoting beneficial gut bacteria by eliminating processed foods, sugar, and triggers, while emphasizing whole foods, fiber (prebiotics), fermented foods (probiotics), hydration, and mindful eating. It involves a diet rich in plants, lean proteins, healthy fats, and probiotic sources like yogurt or kimchi, aiming to reset digestion, reduce bloating, and boost overall wellness in a week, often incorporating elements like lemon water, herbal teas, and specific meal structures.
